After living in Minnesota for 25 years I didn’t think a North Dakota winter would be all that different. Well, I was very wrong. Very, very wrong. It is different… in a brutal, life threatening kind of way. Let me explain. Minnesota, my former state, experiences a beautiful snow filled winter season. Like many other states, it gets more snow than North Dakota. The temperature can also drop below zero for extended periods of time. However, the one major factor unique to North Dakota winter is the wind. The wind adds a layer of harshness that outsiders can not comprehend. You can literally freeze to death in under an hour. Winter here in North Dakota is no joke. The City even dedicates a webpage to winter survival. If you are moving to North Dakota from another state and especially from a southern state, this post is for you! Here are the things that help me survive North Dakota winter.

Body Lotion with Lard (yes, lard)

Even before it was extremely cold, below zero, one of the first things that I noticed was the dry air. It’s a blessing in the summer, as I hate humidity, but it’s not skin friendly. To this newcomer, it felt like moving to the dessert. The dry air sucked all the moisture out of my skin. Even with a humidifier and doubling my water intake, my skin felt like sandpaper. Luckily, earlier in the year, I had grabbed some locally made body lotion at a downtown boutique. This lotion is amazing and it’s all natural with ingredients like beeswax, tallow and shea butter. It’s a must have for me and I even put it directly on my face. It’s made here in North Dakota and sold locally in a few different boutiques. JML Soaps solid lotion is number one on my winter survival guide.

Fleece or Flannel Lined Jeans

The first time I tried to walk outside in the winter wind I realized the only way I would survive was better outdoor gear. The wind and its addition of wind chill are horrific. I knew that if I wanted to still be able to walk or hike through the winter I needed better apparel. In Minnesota, I probably wore fleece lined jeans 3 or 4 times every season. Here I wear them 3 or 4 weeks at a time! My favorite are those sold by Eddie Bauer. They fit comfortably and they are lined with a really cute flannel pattern. Ive purchased fleece lined jeans from Target as well but the fit was not comfortable. I purchased a pair from Eddie Bauer in Kirkwood Mall halfway through the winter and wished I had gotten them right away. By the time I went back for a second pair they were out of stock. Don’t make that mistake! Buy the warm pants now!

Base Layer

Along with fleece lined jeans I also stocked up on base layer tops from my favorite brand Cuddle Duds. They are sold at Target and Kohl’s in a variety of colors and styles. These usually go on sale a few times a year. You can also find them on clearance at the end of the season. A huge help to staying warm and thin enough to wear under most other tops.

Balacalva Hood

The first time i went out to shovel I didn’t give any thought to it being below zero and I dressed as I had in Minnesota. Bad decision. I could barely last 10 minutes in the freezing wind. As much as I hated the thought of wearing an ugly all in one head and face base layer, I broke down and bought one. It is a must if you need to be out in the wind for an extended period of time. This type of hood is sold almost everywhere in town. I bought one from Costco. When I use this with the pull over hood on my coat I stay nice and warm even with a -25 wind chill.

Wool Pop-Top Mitten

Another outdoor apparel must have are gloves and mittens in a variety of styles. In my former state a leather lined polar fleece glove was all i needed. Now, that just doesn’t cut it. For North Dakota, my favorites are a hybrid of glove and mitten that I found at Runnings. These are great for walking, hiking and I even use them for snow removal. I had a hard time finding this style in Minnesota because they aren’t carried in traditional retail outlets. Farm supply stores are the best bet if you want to try out this style.

Yaktrax

When I lived in Minnesota I always thought about getting a pair of these and never did. Here I had to because of the hills!! Many people don’t realize that much of North Dakota is lovely rolling hills. The Red River valley is the only extreme flat part of the state. Here in Bismarck the hills make it much more difficult to walk in the winter. On a flat surface you can scoot over the ice but on a hill, gravity will take you down. Even taking the trash down the driveway can be treacherous. Wearing ice and snow traction like Yaktrax has certainly made my winter more manageable.

Gym Membership

I’ve never belonged to a gym in my life. I like running or walking outdoors too much and winter never stopped me from outside walking. In Minnesota, on very cold days there were also a number of options for indoor walking like the malls. Here in North Dakota, the wind chill makes it much harder to consistently walk outdoors. To make it though the winter, I realized you had to join a gym. There are a number of options in Bismarck including Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, the YMCA and smaller local gyms like Proximal 50 and Verge Fitness.

Remote Car Starter or Garage

I’m lucky enough to have both a garage and a remote car started this year. This really helps make the winter more bearable. A few years ago I rented in between owing homes and had neither. It was not fun but it would be downright difficult if that was the case in North Dakota. The wind is brutal and getting into a cold car after scraping ice off the windows is not fun. If you are thinking about buying a home in North Dakota, I strongly recommend you make sure it has a garage. If not, then add a remote car starter to your vehicle. If will be well worth the expense.

BOTTOM LINE

As I write this in the middle of April the snow is flying outside and there is a blizzard warning for the next two days! Winter is part of life here in North Dakota but it is manageable. If you are moving to Bismarck or thinking about moving here from a warmer climate, make sure you are prepared with good outdoor gear and a few other essentials. Then, like me, you’ll be outside enjoying fresh air all year long!

Moving to Bismarck ND? Here’s how to survive the winter